Augsburger Puppenkiste

Theatre in Augsburg

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Allie_Caulfield

For generations, the Augsburger Puppenkiste has been one of the top attractions in Augsburg, captivating children and adults alike with its hand-carved marionettes and timeless stories. Founded in 1948 by Walter Oehmichen and his family, the theater quickly grew from a post-war creative venture into a national treasure. Its charming wooden puppets and detailed miniature sets have brought classic tales like “The Little Prince,” “Pinocchio,” and “Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver” to life on stage and screen, making it one of the most cherished cultural institutions in Germany.

Located in a converted hospital building in Augsburg's Old Town, the Puppenkiste remains a place of wonder, nostalgia, and artistry. It's not just a theater but also a museum where visitors can explore the puppets and backdrops from its most famous productions. This spot is one of the best places to see in Augsburg if you want to experience the city's whimsical and creative spirit, and it's often visited on walking tours of Augsburg due to its historic and cultural importance.

History and Significance of Augsburger Puppenkiste
Things to See and Do in Augsburger Puppenkiste
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Augsburger Puppenkiste
Is Augsburger Puppenkiste Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to Augsburger Puppenkiste

History and Significance of Augsburger Puppenkiste

The Augsburger Puppenkiste was born out of post-war optimism and a desire to rekindle joy in a city recovering from devastation. In 1948, Walter Oehmichen, along with his wife Rose and daughters Hannelore and Ulla, created a traveling puppet show that evolved into a permanent theater. Their first performances were intimate, local affairs — but the magic of the hand-carved marionettes quickly spread beyond Augsburg.

By the 1950s, the Puppenkiste was producing plays for German television, becoming a beloved fixture in households across the country. The theater’s adaptations of literary classics and original stories, such as “Urmel aus dem Eis” (Urmel from the Ice Age), became iconic, blending humor, imagination, and moral lessons. The Puppenkiste’s distinctive aesthetic — wooden puppets with expressive faces and handcrafted sets — became instantly recognizable and remains part of Germany’s cultural heritage.

Things to See and Do in Augsburger Puppenkiste

A visit to the Augsburger Puppenkiste offers two main experiences: the theater and the museum. The theater itself hosts live puppet performances throughout the year, featuring stories for both children and adults. Shows are performed in an intimate setting, and even though they're in German, the craftsmanship and visual storytelling transcend language barriers.

The museum, known as the “Die Kiste” (The Box), invites visitors behind the scenes. Here, you can see famous marionettes up close — from beloved children's heroes to fantastical creatures. Detailed exhibits explain how the puppets are made and operated, giving insight into the artistry that goes into every production. For anyone seeking one of the things to do in Augsburg that combines history, culture, and entertainment, the Puppenkiste delivers an unforgettable experience.

How to Get There

The Augsburger Puppenkiste is located at Spitalgasse 15, in the heart of Augsburg's Old Town, within easy walking distance from Rathausplatz. From Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), it's about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride (Line 1 or 2 to “Moritzplatz”). Parking is available nearby at the City-Galerie or Ernst-Reuter-Platz garages, though strolling through the charming streets to the theater is part of the experience.

Practical Tips on Visiting Augsburger Puppenkiste

Best time to visit Augsburger Puppenkiste: Afternoon or early evening to attend a live performance.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €8–€12 for shows; museum entry about €5 for adults, €3 for children.
Opening hours: Vary by season and performance schedule; the museum typically open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Official website: www.augsburger-puppenkiste.de
How long to spend: 1–2 hours for a museum visit, or longer if attending a performance.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; assistive seating available for shows.
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, and small café on-site.
Photography tip: Capture the theater’s wooden façade and whimsical signage outside the entrance.
Guided tours: Occasionally offered in German, explaining the puppetry process and stage mechanics.
Nearby food options: Several cozy restaurants and cafés nearby on Spitalgasse and Maximilianstraße.

Is Augsburger Puppenkiste Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you're nostalgic for classic TV stories or curious about traditional puppetry, the Augsburger Puppenkiste is one of the must-see places in Augsburg. It's a rare opportunity to witness living craftsmanship and storytelling tradition in action, charming audiences across generations.

Nearby Attractions to Augsburger Puppenkiste

Augsburg City Hall – A Renaissance masterpiece featuring the magnificent Golden Hall.
Perlachturm – The city's iconic tower offering panoramic views and a daily carillon.
Fuggerei – The world's oldest social housing complex, founded by Jakob Fugger in 1516.
St. Anne's Church – A Renaissance gem built by the Fugger family with rich frescoes and chapels.
Schaezlerpalais – A Rococo palace home to stunning art galleries and ornate interiors.

The Augsburger Puppenkiste appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Augsburg!

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